CNA Classes in Mississippi

Mississippi makes CNA training accessible to a wide range of candidates:

• No minimum age requirement mandated by the state
• No high school diploma or GED required by state regulations
• No formal educational prerequisites

While the state itself doesn’t impose strict eligibility criteria, individual training programs may have their own requirements, such as:

• Basic reading and comprehension skills
• Background checks (following federal OBRA ’87 standards)
• Health screenings and immunizations
• TB testing
• Physical examination

This flexibility makes the CNA path particularly accessible for those looking to enter healthcare without extensive educational barriers.

Mississippi has established training standards that align with federal requirements:

• Total of 75 hours minimum training required
• Training must include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice
• Curriculum covers essential nursing assistant skills:
  • Basic nursing care
  • Infection control
  • Patient safety
  • Communication
  • Resident rights
  • Personal care
  • Vital signs monitoring

All training must be completed through state-approved Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATPs), which fall into two categories:

• Facility-based programs (offered by nursing homes)
• Non-facility-based programs (offered by proprietary schools and colleges)

Training timelines vary by program type. Students enrolled in facility-based programs must complete their training and pass the certification exam within 4 months (120 days) of their hire date.

Choosing the right training program will help set you up for success:

• Programs are available through:
  • Nursing homes (facility-based)
  • Community colleges
  • Vocational schools
  • Proprietary schools

To find approved programs, contact the Mississippi Bureau of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification at (601) 364-1100 or use online resources to locate training options near you.

Program costs vary significantly:

• Proprietary school programs: $500-$1,200
• Additional costs may include textbooks, uniforms, and supplies
• Many nursing facilities offer free training in exchange for employment commitment

Financial support options include:

• Workforce development grants
• Employer-sponsored training
• Payment plans at some institutions

When selecting a program, consider location, schedule flexibility, and employment placement assistance to find the best fit for your situation.

After completing your training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination:

• The exam has two components:
  • Written examination: 70 multiple-choice questions in English
  • Skills evaluation: Performance of 5 randomly selected clinical tasks within 30 minutes
• Alternative oral examination available:
  • 60 multiple-choice questions plus 10 reading comprehension questions
  • Designed for candidates with limited English proficiency
• Application process:
  • Submit examination application to Credentia (Mississippi’s testing provider)
  • Include proof of training completion
  • Pay required examination fees
  • Facility-based candidates must include a letter from their employer
• Testing timeline requirements:
  • You have 24 months from completing your training to pass the exam
  • Facility-based trainees must pass within 4 months of hire

Results are typically available on the day of testing for the skills portion and within a few days for the written exam. Candidates must pass both components to receive certification.

The final step in becoming a certified nursing assistant in Mississippi:

• The registry is administered by Headmaster/TMU
• Create an account via phone (800-393-8664) to submit applications and track certification status
• After passing your exam, you are automatically added to the registry
• Certification becomes active once listed

With your Mississippi CNA certification, you’ll be qualified to work in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies across the state.

The Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), is your primary resource for certification matters in the state.

Contact Information:

• Website: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/30,0,83,74,html 
• Phone: (601) 364-1100
• Email: [email protected]

The registry provides services such as:

• Verifying certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Handling license transfers
• Investigating complaints
• Maintaining a searchable database of certified nurse aides

To check your certification status, visit the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry Search portal: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/30,0,83,74,html#certification

Maintaining your CNA certification in Mississippi requires adherence to specific guidelines:

Renewal Requirements:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours as a nurse aide within the 24-month certification period
• Continuing education: No formal continuing education requirements for basic renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Your employer must submit verification of employment through the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry
  • CNAs are responsible for ensuring their employer submits the verification
  • No renewal fee required
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a competency evaluation or retake the CNA exam if expired more than 24 months

For renewal information and verification forms, visit: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/30,0,83,html

If you’re a CNA certified in another state and wish to work in Mississippi, follow these steps for reciprocity:

• Verify current certification in your original state
• Complete the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity Application
• Submit required documentation:
  • Copy of your current CNA certification
  • Proof of completing a training program that meets federal requirements
  • Verification of employment as a CNA within the last 24 months
  • State-issued ID or driver’s license
  • Social Security card
• Mail your application and documents to the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry

Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. Mississippi does not require additional skills testing for reciprocity applicants with valid certifications.For reciprocity forms and instructions, visit: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/30,0,83,74,html#reciprocity

While Mississippi doesn’t mandate continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can enhance your skills and career prospects:

Education Providers:

• Mississippi Community College System
  • Website: https://www.mccb.edu/
  • Offers healthcare-related courses at campuses throughout the state
• Mississippi Health Care Association
  • Website: https://www.mshca.org/education/
  • Provides workshops and online courses specifically for CNAs
• Mississippi Nurses Association
  • Website: https://www.msnurses.org/
  • Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals
• American Red Cross of Mississippi
  • Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/mississippi.html
  • Provides healthcare training and certification courses